Two members of staff at a Belfast hospital have been suspended in the wake of a C. diff outbreak, it has emerged.

The move is part of a major investigation into the how the bacteria emerged at a ward in the hospital and how that situation was managed.

Belfast Live understands that the outbreak was at the City Hospital in South Belfast and occurred a number of months ago.

A probe into the outbreak has seen Belfast Trust bring in an external expert to monitor the process. One source said that the two people suspended hold senior positions at the hospital with one being in a management position.

A Belfast Trust spokesman said: “During an internal investigation following an outbreak of Clostridium Difficile in one of the Trusts wards, it was necessary to place two members of staff on precautionary suspension to facilitate the investigation.

“This does not infer any wrongdoing. This action is in line with all relevant policies and procedures and reflects the Trusts first priority of patient safety.”

Asked about reports that an external person being brought into play a role in the probe, the Trust added that they are “conducting an internal investigation into the issue but has sought an independent expert to chair this process”.

The Trust reaffirmed their earlier statement, but using slightly different language, they added: “The Trust can confirm that 2 members of staff have been placed on temporary exclusion as a result of this matter.”

The news comes just weeks after an outbreak of the bacteria at another Belfast hospital. Belfast Trust confirmed in July that a ward was closed briefly and two patients were affected in Musgrave Park Hospital, also in the south of the city.

C. diff is a bacterium that causes extreme diarrhoea in some patients. at Musgrave Park, one of the rehabilitation wards for elderly patients in Meadowlands was closed for a deep clean but has since reopened.

In a statement, the trust said it was continuing to “review and monitor the hygiene standards on the ward”.

They added: “The situation is being monitored closely and infection prevention control measures are in place to maintain a safe environment for our patients.

“We continue to work closely with staff and request visitors to adhere to the visiting policy.

“We would request families not to visit if they themselves are unwell.”